Shock at age of attackers

Two girls, aged 12 and 15, have been referred to Youth Aid following the brutal assault of another girl at an event to promote health living and family.

The attack at Porirua’s Creekfest event on Saturday was filmed and posted on social media.

In the footage, the victim is approached by a group of about five young women. Words are exchanged before one of the alleged offenders throws a punch.

Knocked to the ground, the victim was repeatedly punched and kicked in the head. One of the assailants then took her phone.

Porirua police interviewed the two girls involved in the assault on Wednesday.

Senior Sergeant Grant Ferguson – who had described the attack as a ‘‘disgusting act of violence’’ – thanked the public for their help with the investigation and acknowledged the community’s ‘‘anger and resentment’’ towards the girls.

‘‘I would ask the community to understand that the matter is now being dealt with appropriately, and the people involved need our support to enable them to change their behaviour.

‘‘While we can’t undo what has been done, we can collectively try to prevent this happening in the future. This incident highlights the fact that we still have a lot of work to do around how violence in the home and in our community can influence a young person’s behaviour.’’

Porirua deputy mayor Izzy Ford said she was shocked at the ages of the girls involved.

‘‘A 12-year-old is a child, I just can’t believe it.’’